Travel Tips

Voluntourism Spotlight: Give Back, Go Local, Go London

Locations in this article:  London, England

Peter’s antidote to the Prince George fever that’s hit London this summer is to go local. And we don’t just mean hitting the pub. One great option is to volunteer. Volunteer organization Go London has drop-in events going on every weekend that help you mix and mingle with locals in London. Tune into Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio on Saturday for more information on the conservation program and check back every Wednesday for more voluntourism opportunities.

The next time you’re visiting London, you help out the environment with GO London. The organization is a branch of CSV, a UK-based volunteering and learning charity. Anyone over the age of 16 can volunteer, and projects take place on Saturdays or Sundays and typically last between 4 and 5 hours.

The majority of GO London projects are environmental and no prior skills or knowledge are required. Volunteering opportunities vary, but can include cleaning up communal areas such as parks, cemeteries, and river banks.

Other projects can include working with schools in London by building adventure playgrounds and sensory gardens, or helping those with disabilities by sprucing up their homes and gardens.

If you check the website out before your trip, you’ll be sure to find something that will suit you. Each event is fairly small, with about 15 to 20 volunteers attending each time so it’s a good way to meet locals with similar interest.

If you’re interested in volunteering with GO London, visit their website or email gocity@csv.org.uk.